TGIF

I can't wait for Chelanigans this summer- filled with boats, sun, floaties, good food, wine tasting, Lizzie's visit (!!), relaxing, more sun, beer, fun people, jello shots and more. In the meantime, I'll settle for Friday.

And yes, that photo is of a jello shot in a solo cup with a lid. Yes, it floats and doesn't let water in. It was a craft taught to us by the folks of Grand Lake, Oklahoma. James had a brilliant idea to bring some along. Please don't judge us for eating jello shots post-college. And thank you, James. I hope to enjoy another orange flavored one this year.

TGIF

Do you wanna know what's cool?

When your boyfriend doesn't work normal hours, so he takes you out for a quick lunch on occasion (Note: People at my work rarely take lunches. We eat at our desks. I'm trying to break this habit on occasion, considering we're in the office 9 hours anyway.)

Those 11am text messages that ask if I've eaten yet make me quickly forget about my lean cuisine. Then quickly think about the dude below and what tasty treat he might bring or where we might pick up some grub. Today's grub was a greek/burger joint called Stell's by the Seattle Pacific University campus. It was delish. Thanks for lunch, Joe!

Petes eats fish. A lot of it.

Hands down, one of my favorite recipes from the recipe bible. And that's comparing to even the Easter risotto, Greek lamb burgers, and egg white omelette with goat cheese and salsa!

Stephanie has been touting it for awhile and when my Dad sent me home with freshly-caught cod (from Deception Pass) this weekend, I had to give it a try. (BTW, thanks Dad! I'll have to make this for you sometime.)

And boy, am I glad I did! The fresh, grated ginger gives it an amazing flavor that makes me want to eat until I can't fit a single bite more in my tummy. And then take like a dozen more bites just for good measure. It's that good. Oh, and it's SUPER easy.

Steamed Cod with Ginger and Scallions

Ingredients
4 skinless cod fillets, (6 to 8 ounces each)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons finely grated, peeled fresh ginger
Coarse salt and ground pepper
6 scallions, green parts cut into 3-inch lengths

Directions
In a large skillet, combine 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger.

Season both sides of 4 skinless cod fillets (6 to 8 ounces each) with coarse salt and ground pepper; place in skillet with vinegar mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover; cook until fish is almost opaque throughout, 6 to 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut green parts of 6 scallions into 3-inch lengths; thinly slice lengthwise. Scatter over fish; cook (covered) until fish is opaque throughout and scallions are just wilted, about 2 minutes more.

1940-something

Awhile back, I asked my cousin to send some of the photos she had scanned of my grandparents. Unfortunately, her computer crashed so she lost almost all of that hard work to create digital versions. I guess that's what is good about old photos, you aren't going to have a computer malfunction and lose them all!

One of the photos that she did have was from their wedding day. I'm in love with it. I wish I could jump into a time machine and throw rice at them on their way out. Or maybe I'll throw birdseed since that's the more appropriate thing to do these days :)

DIY: Picnic Basket

It's no lie that I love me some picnics. For the past several summers, I've taken part in countless picnics at Green Lake or Golden Gardens. And while reusable grocery bags do effectively get picnic items from Point A to Point B, I love the idea of getting a cute little picnic basket.

So I've been on the search for a cheap option, but no one seems to be getting it right. Actually, those that do, are like a zillion dollars, which I'm not willing to spend. Last year, I looked at JoAnns and Target, but nothing won me over. This year has been just as fruitless.

What's a girl to do? Well, this girl asked her mom if she had a basket that I could snag. She did, but it looked like this (this is the bigger version, same design of the actual basket that I spruced up, but I forgot to take a before shot):


Needless to say, we're not in 1993 anymore when grape vines were cool. Today, well, it looks dated. That's when this DIY project came to light.

First idea, paint the top. So I sanded it down and painted it blue. It looked ok, but it wasn't as I had envisioned. Then my mom had the brilliant idea of gluing fabric on it. So we riffled through her collection and found some scratch fabric from an apron she made me for Christmas. Perfect.

Next update, the handle. Conveniently, it broke off which got me thinking of how to remedy that situation. Ah-ha - an old belt! So I cut up an old belt that was on its way to the Goodwill. I think I like it better than the original handle!

Meet my new picnic basket. This, my friends, calls for some major picnicking.

I miss this face

Miss Alisa Ann is in Sea-town for the weekend. I missed lunch with her yesterday due to meetings and it's looking like our evening plans might not materialize. (Sad day!) Bonding with the in-laws in Enumclaw might be what's on her (full) plate.

At any rate, I miss my little Oklahoman, turned Montanian! (Is that what they call people from Montana?) Look at her on her wedding day!

Alisa and her hubby, Chuck merrily riding a two-seater. Is it just me or do you want to go out and rent a two-seater right this instant? While also having someone take cool photos of you. And wearing such an adorable coat.

Quintessential photo of Alisa. Making any situation just a little more exciting, even if it's chillin' with a brew in a bathtub.

Introducing Kathryn Bradley Photography

It's official. Kathryn Bradley Photography is in business! If you're looking for an extremely talented photographer for weddings, engagement sessions, families or more - contact the lovely lady. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Check out her website for more amazing photos!

A note to you, Kathryn: I'm so inspired that you're following your dream. It's been so fun to watch you over the course of the last year to really make it happen. I'm glad I could be a part of it, even if it's just my opinion on logo design or cardstock for your business cards, it's been very exciting! The classes, the booked weekends and looong nights have most certainly paid off. Your talent AMAZES me and I'm so happy that I can now officially direct someone to your work after talking their ear off about your awesomeness.

And a little more information from her "About Me" section.

My fascination and curiosity for the stories that make each of us unique is what fuels my inspiration to document life through the lens of my camera. Studying journalism in college, I became absorbed in documenting people’s lives and their stories. Yet, as a lover of photography since childhood, my greatest joy was always behind the camera, capturing people as their pure, authentic selves. I held tight to my love of storytelling and it remains at the core of my photography.